Chris Paddack’s much-anticipated return to the Marlins didn’t quite go as planned, as he allowed a franchise-record eight earned runs in his debut against the White Sox. But in the dugout, Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara was there with a reassuring word.
“Hey man, you're here for a reason. We believe in you.
I believe in you,” Alcantara told Paddack, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the team’s faith in their pitcher.
Paddack, originally drafted by the Marlins in 2015, had envisioned a career in Miami. However, after just 17 appearances in the minors, he was traded to San Diego in 2016. Fast forward 3,565 days, and Paddack found himself back with the Marlins, ready to make his mark.
Reflecting on the game, Paddack admitted, “Not how I envisioned my Marlins debut by any means, but I've been here before.” Despite the rocky start, his mindset remains positive. With a long season ahead, he’s ready to bounce back, focusing on being a good teammate and taking each game as it comes.
This January, Paddack signed a one-year deal with Miami, joining a rotation in need of stability. Previous signings like Cal Quantrill and Johnny Cueto didn’t quite work out, but the Marlins are counting on Paddack to deliver.
Manager Clayton McCullough remains optimistic. “Results aside, we'll get a lot better days out of Chris than today,” he said. With pitching coach Daniel Moskos, Paddack will analyze and adjust, ready to improve in his next outing.
Known as “The Sheriff,” Paddack brings his unique flair to the ballpark, complete with his signature cowboy hat and boots. Despite his struggles, he threw strikes and showed glimpses of his potential. Unfortunately, the long ball haunted him, with a three-run shot by Austin Hays and a grand slam by Miguel Vargas marking the turning points.
Catcher Liam Hicks noted, “We did a really good job early on, but things blended in the middle innings.” It's a learning moment for Paddack, who surrendered 31 homers last season, one of the highest in the league.
McCullough isn’t worried about his pitcher, and neither is Paddack. He’s developed a routine to handle tough outings, writing down negative thoughts and literally tearing them up. With his next start at Yankee Stadium, Paddack is focused on getting back on the mound and competing at the highest level.
“You’ve got to get back on the saddle,” Paddack emphasized. “It's expected from the fans and the guys in that clubhouse.” With resilience and determination, Paddack is ready to turn the page and make the most of his opportunity with the Marlins.